The Confluence

"Someone once gave me advice that the minute you feel that you're at a disadvantage because you're a woman, you put yourself at a disadvantage," Bullano said. "I never pursued the opportunity because I thought there was a shortage of females."

Bullano is the gatekeeper to one of the most in-demand locker rooms in the NHL, mediawise, one that boasts two of the league's top players: superstar center Sidney Crosby and current MVP Evgeni Malkin.

"He talks to the media every day. Every day," Bullano said. "If there is a day where no one needs him, he'll actually say, 'Am I good?' to leave the locker room. He'll actually check with us. That's unprecedented for an athlete of his stature."